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Take Action for the Climate

The UN network of 63 Information Centres joined a global call for Climate Action with a series of communication initiatives ahead of the UN Summit which took place in New York on 23 September.

Climate change is not a far-off problem. It is happening now and is having very real consequences on people’s lives. Climate change is disrupting national economies, costing us dearly today and even more tomorrow. But there is a growing recognition that affordable, scalable solutions are available now that will enable us all to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies.

At the 69th General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited world leaders, from government, finance, business, and civil society to a Climate Summit to galvanize and catalyze climate action.

World leaders made bold announcements and pledges to actions that will reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and mobilize political will for a meaningful legal agreement in 2015.

Metro Photo Challenge

On the occasion of the UN Climate Summit, held on 23 September at the UN Headquarters in New York City, METRO International launched the 10th edition of METRO Photo Challenge, the world’s largest photography competition. The theme chosen with the United Nations Climate Change team is: “My Green City.”

The competition is now closed but certainly not over. It is time for the public to cast their vote and pick a favourite. Vote now for your favourite photo.

The Grand Prize is a unique photo expedition to the ultimate beehive of cities - New York! Including a meet-and-greet with Michael Bloomberg, the United Nations Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change.

About: Metro Photo Challenge was introduced ten years ago in Sweden and ran globally for the first time in 2007. The contest has become a truly credible and important event for professional and amateur photographers alike. In 2013, 40,000 photographers submitted more than 120,000 images, making Metro Photo Challenge the world’s largest photography competition.

Mobile Film Festival

The Mobile Film Festival is working with UNRIC on a cell phone video project on climate change. The concept is to create a one-minute cell phone video on the topic: "Action! For Climate Change." It will be open to anyone with a mobile phone with video camera capability. The contest will take place in 2015.

More information soon...

Elyx

Elyx is a virtual character who looks at the world with interest and good humour. Drawn in a very simple style, Elyx can express a great number of different expressions.

In partnership with the artist, UNRIC uses Elyx to highlight a series of international observances.

The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.